Center For International Environmental Law (CIEL)

I greet you all. What bothers me a little is that you are almost all young girls from the city.
No one who would directly experience the impact of changes in nature.

I am a 70-year-old grandfather from an ancient agricultural family from Czechoslovakia. My ancestors were robbed of their property during the Hitler and Stalinist occupations. The occupiers did not value the stolen property. They did not treat him gently.

Climate change is a consequence of the Turkmen occupiers' rampage in the Czech Republic. Climate change in the Czech Republic has its roots in the Caspian Lake.

Ours fled from the collectivization of agriculture. My father was a potato breeder and from the age of three he took me to work and told me openly what the consequences of the mistakes he and the communists were making would be. Admittedly, he was not mistaken.

He was terrified of the drought and famine that was approaching Czechoslovakia from the Volga region (1921), Ukraine (1933-34).

He became one of the first (if not the very first person on planet Earth) who succeeded in genetically modifying grain so that it would not lie down during gusts of wind and could be harvested by mechanization. Like tornadoes in the USA, they are the result of energy that is concentrated in the Sahara desert of Africa and on the insensitively healed ropes of Bill Gates.

3500 years ago, the territory of the Sahara desert was a huge olive grove, in the shade of which it was possible to walk across the entire territory. A reckless greedy ruler taxed the olives and the free-spirited Arabs cut down the olives.

This changes the climate of the planet. It is sad that ecologists do not deal with the problems in detail and with the causes.

With friendly regards, Ing. Vítězslav Žídek, authorized water management and landscape engineer from the Czech Republic, email: bioport55@gmail.com,
tel. +420792270008

I’ve been a donor to CIEL. Currently I am urging all Virginia residents to write to their State Senators to vote “No” to confirm Andrew Wheeler to the Govs Cabinet for managing the environment in Virginia. I also urge for letters to Gov. Youngink to withdraw his nominee, Andrew Wheeler. Wheeler was the head of EPA during the previous national administration with an incredible terrible record. I also urge a campaign by CIEL to take action on this future disaster for Virginia and its neighboring States. Best to all, Urve Crowder

CIEL intentionally foregrounds the communities, local advocates and regional organizations it collaborates with in all it's work. We hear the word partnership being used in lots of spaces, but after years of collaborating with CIEL and observing their work and the scale of their impact, I know that their use of that term is deep, meaningful and true.

I was a legal intern with CIEL for the summer of 2021, and I had a wonderful experience with this fantastic organization. CIEL staff members are unrelenting in their pursuit of global environmental justice, and somehow they still have time to expertly and compassionately guide future advocates like myself. CIEL leadership is acutely aware of employee well-being, and they work diligently to ensure all staff members are welcomed, appreciated, and healthy. I learned so much in my time with CIEL, and I am so grateful for the experience.

I had the good fortune of interning with CIEL from June until August of 2021. As an organization CIEL is not only committed to environmental and human right advocacy but committed to the welfare and wellbeing of its employees and its partners. The work that the organization does is incredibly impressive, exposing legal matters to the public and holding governments and corporations accountable through a diverse set of legal mechanisms. As an intern my work and time was respected and there was a concerted effort to consider my time and wellbeing. Balancing ambitious work and employee wellbeing is a difficult act to balance but CIEL did it flawlessly. I look forward to following the future work of CIEL and know that they will continue to be the forefront of the most pressing matters of our time.

CIEl's blogs and newsletters are always very informative, accurate and timely. Whenever I search for information on any particular environmental topic, CIEL is nearly always quoted as a reliable source. Informing and tracking policy around the world is invaluable as bureaucracies easily lose track of goals and requirements. Keep up the good work!

I have been very pleased over the years I have followed CIEL's work to see that it is committed not only to moving the state of the law in the courts, but also to supporting grassroots movements and organizers on the ground. This inside-outside strategy is a key to sustained and transformative change, which the response to the climate crisis must be! I look forward to following CIEL's work in the future and supporting how I can along the way.

I worked at CIEL from 2006 to 2009 and have stayed engaged with their work and have been on the Board over the past few years. There is no other organization like CIEL, which plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of environmental organizations in the US and globally. It combines legal rigor with the passion and heart of activism and the commitment to partnering and building up others. One of they key things it has always done is to be two to three years ahead, pushing funders and governments to re-frame and re-think issues e.g. on Plastics, or on World Bank Finance, drawing in other activists and re-setting norms. That core of innovation and agenda setting is
On a personal level, CIEL transformed me into an activist and made my work as a lawyer, an academic and a teacher possible. Each person who works for CIEL is a gem, a unique blend of skills and personality, that CIEL both draws out and benefits from.

I’m proud to support this outstanding nonprofit in their mission to protect human rights and the environment. I respect the approach they take in their work, which centers those most affected by the climate crisis. It’s impressive to see the strides they are making in local and international efforts to advance environmental justice. I also appreciate their efforts to educate the public and advocate for communities facing critical threats, from the lifecycle impacts of plastics to rights violations caused by development projects.

I was a legal intern with CIEL for a period of 6 months. I had the opportunity to work with this organization in person and the only thing I can say about this experience is that it was the most unforgettable period of my life. CIEL not only provides you with a hands-on-deck experience, but it also tailors your work to your interest and passion. I have not only broadened my knowledge in environmental law and human rights but gained the experience of working in a team that is fun, inspiring, and immensely motivated. Personally and professionally, I believe CIEL to be a great place to work to fight for a clean and healthy world.

I was a legal intern at CIEL for 6 months and it was the most wonderful and enriching experience of my life. I learnt more than I could have ever imagined, while being supported and guided by a dynamic, fun and passionate team. I felt like I finally saw law in practice and what a powerful tool it can be, driving real impactful change.
I feel very lucky to have been a part of such an amazing organisation.

I was lucky enough to be a part of the team at CIEL this past summer as an intern, and I can confidently say I have never met a group of people so dedicated to their work while still never losing sight of compassion. This team knows that the solutions to climate change cannot come at the expense of human rights, and their focus on human rights is reflected in everything they do. I definitely feel better about our species' path through the climate crisis knowing these folks are among our advocates.

Each and every person that is a part of this organization cares deeply about the environmental and human rights issues that CIEL works on, and this passion shines through in the advocacy and work of the organization as a collective. CIEL goes above and beyond to fight for the people, who they bring in as the central focus in the advocacy work that they do. CIEL also makes sure that this information is being shared outward with the world, and they do so in such a successful way. I'm so grateful to have been a small part of pushing this work forward.

For better quality, sustainable, affordable, nontoxic products and the creation of thousands of industries and millions of jobs: help remove all obstacles to hemp growing. Since everything made out of hydrocarbons (fossil fuels) can be made much more cheaply out of carbohydrates (plants), with hemp being the best for this, lets use hemp for food, fuel, fiber, pharma.

Such on the spot reporting enhances campaign work in Britain too. Thank you

CIEL is doing such exciting and interesting work. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they have been persistent in defending human rights, health, and the environment. I always enjoy getting updates from them and following their various efforts, from confronting oil and gas expansion, to protecting us from toxics!

Since the pandemic started, CIEL has been working to expose how the pandemic is affecting everything from frontline environmental defenders to fossil fuel companies engaging in pandemic profiteering. I always learn something from their regular updates---they are timely, impactful, and on-point. 

I've had the honor of working with CIEL as a Core Member in the Break Free From Plastic movement for several months and counting. During that time, CIEL has provided outstanding leadership across a wide range of issue areas and skill sets, including environmental justice, community organizing, legal expertise, communications and media, and much more!

CIEL is an excellent nonprofit working to advance human rights and environmental justice. They are uniquely positioned to connect seemingly disparate strands of work, from plastic pollution, to toxics, to the climate crisis — and they do so with passion and a commitment toward people and the planet. Keep up the good work!

I feel so fortunate to have worked as an intern at CIEL and to have seen, up close, the vital and energetic work that the organization engages in each day. CIEL's staff range widely in their particular area of focus, but are united in their common belief in the power of law to advance crucial human rights and environmental protections. As an intern, I felt incredibly supported throughout the duration of my internship and learned so much through the numerous areas of work in which I was engaged. I feel deeply lucky to have witnessed the many ways CIEL has changed — and continues to change — the conversation in environmental law, and to have met the passionate individuals that make CIEL the tremendous organization that it is.

I interned with CIEL this summer and it was a great experience! CIEL is doing such amazing and often overlooked work and it was amazing to be a part of it.

The time I spent interning at CIEL in 2019 was one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences of my life. The team at CIEL is tight-knit, passionate and collaborative, and staff are at the top of their fields because of their excellent qualifications and unparalleled dedication to the mission of protecting human rights and the environment. I saw first-hand CIEL’s commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and fighting for justice around the world. They are unique in their willingness to take on small cases and the passion with which they fight and win even the most uphill battles. CIEL sets the standard for its peers in the environmental advocacy space, and will surely continue to make tremendous gains in environmental protection and human rights advocacy around the world.

I am writing this review on behalf of my organization,the Heinrich Boell Stiftung (hbs) Washington, DC, which over years has worked with CIEL, both as a cooperation partner on specific projects and campaigns, but also as a donor for efforts spearheaded by CIEL in a number of areas demanding specialized expertise and knowledge, including international trade policy,international climate negotiations and climate finance, fossil fuel divestment/plastics pollution, biodiversity or geoengineering.

As a cooperation partner, we highly value the collaboration with CIEL, as interaction is always constructive, laser-focused on problem-solving, while overcoming effectively any hurdles posed by either administrative stringencies or quick output deadlines. CIEL in all of our cooperations has proved to be a trusted partner, good to its promise and delivering on time while exceeding expectations in providing their expertise.

As a donor/financial contributor and supporter in the non-profits sector, we recognize and appreciate that CIEL and its dedicated and brilliant staff over-delivers in terms of "value for financial support provided", as CIEL -- often to their own detriment -- puts the cause way above compensatory considerations. Documentation and accounting for funding received is thorough and accurate. CIEL is a trusted partner meeting and has over the years in many ways far exceeded all of our expectations for collaboration and cooperation.

CIEL does groundbreaking work at the interface of climate/environment and human rights and is considered a trustworthy leading organization for experts from civil society, foundations and social movements.

Ever since its creation in 1989, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has made the world a better place by fearlessly harnessing the power of environmental laws to protect the environment and the dignity of those who depend upon it. As someone who cares deeply about the environment and human rights, I am proud to support an organization that is so committed to preserving both for future generations.

I will always be thankful for my summer legal internship at CIEL. My experience at CIEL reaffirmed my reasons for choosing the legal profession--how could it not?! The CIEL lawyers exemplify exactly the type of creative, hard-working individuals that this world needs working on its most pressing problems. I am truly amazed by the breadth and depth of work that this small, talented team undertakes to harness the power of institutions, courts, and movements to create systemic change. Although I only worked there for 10 weeks, I gained exposure to CIEL's advocacy, litigation, and strategic partnering with other civil society groups. I felt the exciting waves of a newsroom that somehow existed within a slower-moving, iterative, detailed, multidimensional, critical undercurrent. Nothing CIEL does is hastily decided, and no novel environmental or human rights issue is beyond the reach of this team's ability to fight. The team brings both domestic and international expertise and understands the complex ways in which legal systems interrelate and influence one another. I will always be proud to have supported the efforts of its attorneys at a defining time in my career and education, and I look forward to following CIEL's cutting-edge work in the coming years.

CIEL is a proven and powerful advocate for communities' rights!
It's always a pleasure working with CIEL, and we look forward to collaborating further to fight for a world that respects humans and the environment.

Two years ago, CIEL produced some research reports that helped me fundamentally redefine the plastic crisis our world is facing. CIEL's reports are focused and groundbreaking, and the organization is very adept at putting them in the right hands and in front of the right faces - and supporting their non-profit partners to do the same - to drive policy change and action. For over a year, I was working closely with some of CIEL's team while in coalition with them to move international policy toward more governance and regulation on plastics, and their experience with accomplishing policy objectives in a movement-oriented, inclusive, and justice-focused way was very impressive and inspiring. As I met more people from the organization and basically fell in love with each of them, both for their professional abilities and their generosity of spirit (there must be something in the water that everyone who works at CIEL is a genuinely kind person). I'm honored to be rolling up my sleeves with this awesome team of humans working to support the safety and rights of other humans.

We've worked together with CIEL to fight fracking in Argentina, and have collaborated over the years on a number of initiatives targeting dirty energy, human rights violations, and bilateral and international financial institutions, as well as United Nations climate negotiations.

CIEL is a brilliant group fighting for environmental justice. Hardworking and ahead of the curve.

The past 12 years I have devoted myself to helping develop green energy around the planet. One of the biggest obstacles has been the lack of dedicated legal organizations, global in scope, to take on entrenched interests that make progress so difficult. CIEL fits this perfectly. I choose wisely where my limited funds go. I chose CIEL because they decidedly care about the future of the world and put words to action.

I had the incredible opportunity to intern with CIEL this past summer. The entire staff could not have been more welcoming. Working with CIEL showed me what it truly means to have a passion and fight for it.

CIEL is a trusted partner supporting communities in their fight for self-determination. Our organization has relied on them for legal advice and support in critical moments of key local struggles, and we also depend on them to forward strategies and campaigns that enact lasting change globally.

I am forever grateful to CIEL for taking me on as a legal intern this past summer. CIEL's work is at the forefront of international environmental law, and it was an invaluable experience to be a small part of that. Working there, I was able to learn from the most dedicated and passionate group of professionals. Everyone at CIEL cares so deeply about the communities they serve, and that is reflected in the incredible work they are able to accomplish. It was an honor to work here, and I am grateful for the many ways in which CIEL inspired me in my career.

This past summer I had the opportunity to serve as a legal intern for CIEL. I enjoyed every moment and learned so much from the experience. Everyone at CIEL is so passionate about their work and the communities they advocate with for environmental and human rights. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work for CIEL to advocate for the global environment and I look forward to seeing what the organization works on in the future.

CIEL is a great nonprofit.
I had the chance to be an intern at CIEL, in Geneva, where I did legal research on how to operationalize linkages between human rights and climate change. I worked with the most passionate people I have ever met and learnt from the best. Their dedication to human rights and climate justice is a source of inspiration. It was an amazing opportunity.

This is quite an impressive organization. It never ceases to amaze me how much this small group of highly dedicated professionals is able to accomplish. They focus on using the law to save the environment and to promote human rights around the world. They work directly with communities adversely affected by multinational mega projects (such as gold mines) to ensure a just and environmentally sustainable resolution. They do extensive legal research, collaborate closely with other like-minded organizations, and bring the law to bear at high levels of international negotiation. Their annual report is always eye-popping for both the breadth and depth of their accomplishments and is the reason I remain a sustaining donor.

CIEL is a wonderful organization with expertise in international environmental and human rights law as well as international governance. It's amazing what CIEL is able to do with a small staff of dedicated lawyers and professionals. Whether working directly with communities or at international negotiations, CIEL always respectful, professional, and driven by its mission to promote a more just and sustainable society.

I worked as an intern for CIEL's People, Land and Resources team in summer 2018. Not only did I learn a lot about development finance and its effects on people and the environment, but I also got to be directly involved with many interesting projects. Interning at CIEL has inspired me to pursue a degree in international development, as I want to dedicate my life to solving issues similar to the ones that CIEL addresses. The staff at CIEL works hard to make the world a better place every day, and it was a privilege to work alongside them.

CIEL is defined not just by a wealth of expertise, but an extraordinary passion for environmentalism and human rights. The work produced at this organization far outweighs its small staff, all of whom are actively making a difference in their respective fields. I was lucky to be intern for CIEL this past summer and gained invaluable experience and insight into the environmental law and policy. Between its friendly staff and cutting-edge work, I truly cannot recommend this NGO enough.

I had the pleasure of interning with CIEL for three months this past spring on the communications team. While maintaining CIEL's web presence and contributing to the blogs, I also had the opportunity to sit in on and participate in broader meetings and events. The range of experiences I was offered greatly helped shape me as a communicator as well as an activist in the climate sphere, and I am very grateful for that.

Great people and exciting work! Thanks CIEL for having me as a legal fellow for a year. It's always a pleasure and an honor to work with CIEL!

I've shared office space with CIEL in the past and been in many professional settings with its staff. They have detailed analysis, a comprehensive view of the problems faced by affected communities and policymakers alike, and produce excellent research. Plus, they're nice people!

I have worked closely with CIEL for several years as part of a coalition fighting for human rights in development. CIEL is there with critical research and analysis. And they're always willing to go to bat for the rights of communities around the world. CIEL makes sure that grassroots voices are heard in the halls of power.

CIEL's innovative strategies make it a leader in strengthening environmental protections and promoting human rights through international law. Whether it is by empowering local communities to defend their rights, standing up to corporate power, or advocating directly with decision makers, CIEL's dedicated and highly skilled staff enable it to have a wide ranging impact that benefits everyone working for environmental and social justice.

CIEL is an outstanding non-profit that is able to achieve long-lasting impact by using the law to tackle pervasive environmental, health, and human rights issues. The people who work at CIEL are experts in their field and passionate about the work they do. CIEL doesn't back down from important but difficult battles, just because they are less likely to win or harder to explain to donors.

In 2005, I clerked for CIEL's office in Geneva. During those three months, I had the great privilege of working with a dedicated staff to address issues of environmental sustainability in the WTO and research the intersection of human rights and environmental conservation. The organisation is committed to making the world a better place for all with top notch lawyers and staff.

As a summer intern, I was able to see up-close CIEL's diligent work on environmental issues and human rights. CIEL and its employees set themselves apart by their close collaboration with local individuals and communities, partnerships with other organizations, international expertise and passion. They carefully analyse their activities and initiatives to ensure that they are always mission-driven and maximizing their impact globally.

I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to intern with the Center for International Environmental Law this past spring. Each day in the office, it was evident how hardworking and dedicated each one of my colleagues was - and is - to CIEL's mission. Although I only worked for CIEL for a few months, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of assignments and projects across multiple disciplines, which allowed me to learn and grow in more ways than one. I am confident that I will carry much of what I learned at CIEL in my future career, and that CIEL will continue to advance frontiers and pave the way of environmental justice for all.

I had the pleasure of interning at CIEL this past summer and would highly recommend the experience. CIEL clearly values interns as an important part of their team and offers many opportunities to learn by doing. I also felt very welcome in the office and enjoyed getting to know members of the staff.

CIEL has an impact that far exceeds its resources: contributing invaluable expertise and analysis, showing up for partners and investing in long-term relationships with impacted communities, fighting for accountability, transparency, and a human rights-based approach on all environmental issues in every fora.

As a communications intern this past summer, I felt incredibly lucky to become a part of the CIEL community. Whether it was sitting in on board meetings, writing for the blog or bolstering our web presence – I gained so much valuable experience. All while surrounded by an incredibly supportive and welcoming group of people!

Depend on this excellent NGO to be at the forefront of efforts to address climate change, and to keep me updated on same.

This is an excellent ngo that manages to tie together the sometimes quite disparate strands of domestic legal
Environmental policy into a cohesive and understandable campaign. When you try and help Ciel you really feel like you're having a decent impact.

What happens in Peru affects all of us. These world issues need light she'd on them and this Non profit does that very well.

The CIEL is the most informed, intelligent and concerned globally for all life. It fights in defense of local inhabitants, educates and implements assistance and programs all can use and stand up for their own environments, wherever they may be. I am more than impressed w/ their noble efforts and ongoing work.

The Center for International Environmental Law provides an excellent source of information on environmental issues that are usually swept under a blanket of silence by other media. The Law is an important instrument to defend and protect our environment and it is important we understand what is going on in order to act as informed citizens.

CIEL is one of the most exciting and innovative non-profits out there, working at the forefront of human rights, environmental, and corporate responsibility issues. All of their staff are some of the best in the field, and it is continuously impressive and inspiring to see how much impact their work has. While their staff is relatively small, they manage to get more tangible work done than other non-profits with much larger teams. They are a leader in the human rights community, and I am also excited to follow their work and support it where I can.

CFIEL-inc is a earth conscious board of caring compassionate people that seek to preserve our planet's natural resources, stop pollution, help improve climate control, and stop Corporations from taking over our governments ability to regulate chemicals, Banning MONSANTO LIKE THE OTHER 88 COUNTRIES!!

As a former intern, my first-hand experience with the CIEL revealed a truly exceptional operation. Only their dedicated, personable, and expert staff could match the values and knowledge base that drive the organization. Best nonprofit I have worked for by far!

Not only are the people at CIEL passionate about the issues and cases they cover, but they also constantly strive to learn more about and support what other environmental organizations in the area doing. Additionally, I am a volunteer, and both staff members and lawyers are extremely friendly, and they never hesitate to help or give me advice when needed. Although I am one of the youngest people in the office, I always feel included and welcome at CIEL.

It was a pleasure and privilege to do an internship at CIEL. I not only learned new stuffs , but also I had a life experience. I am happy to have worked with talented, committed and friendly attorneys in their areas of practice. I felt that the whole staff involved us with the different aspects and activities of the organization. I did not expect all the outdoor activities that we had and the time we share outside the office. I had a lot of fun and great time!. David Marin

I worked as a legal intern at CIEL over the 2015 summer. During this time, my experience with CIEL was second to none.
Over the course of my internship, I was involved in a wide range of exciting, challenging and worthwhile legal projects. However, while the projects provided me with great experience, the highlight for me was the CIEL team itself. All of the team were inclusive, passionate, talented and generous with their time and knowledge.
A great non-profit organization, which continues to impress and perform both domestically and internationally.
Viv Fernandes
Legal Intern, 2015

Even over the course of 3 months interning at CIEL, the staff made me feel as if I were a valued member of the team-- a quality they carry into all arms of their work, as the attorneys and staff with the organization extend unending care to every person, community, and social group with which they work. Prior to interning at CIEL, I was interested in environmentalism and human rights, but I had no idea the extent to which people in the non-profit sector worked to ensure the protection and sanctity of both around the world. CIEL's central belief of the integral connection between the two resonated through every project in their offices. They have the energy, intellect, creativity, and skills to accomplish so much good-- the only thing they seem to lack is adequate resource.

An outstanding environmental organization. I am grateful that you are committed to problem solving and global change through justice to the citizens who cannot otherwise create pretections and effect change without our help.

I am pleased to have discovered the Center for International Environmental Law. Emails from this organization have been highly informative about events impacting important topics such as the environment, human rights, and, especially, resource-related conflicts occurring in Latin America. I have enjoyed their presentation series by experts from both the United States and other countries which have reinforced for me the need for diligent awareness of the activities which are giving rise to environmental harms and human rights violations.

This is a group working for environmental justice--not just controlling the poor in so-called 3rd World countries--but educating, informing, and empowering all of us to decide for ourselves. As an old woman on a fixed income helping the generations that follow me, my wishes to donate far exceed my income. CIEL allows me to contribute other ways as they work respectfully. I am grateful.

CIEL is an excellent organization. With dedication and intelligent good efforts, they advocate for environmental justice on the global level.

I am a citizen of the world and I am very concerned about the actions of irresponsible people only looking for their financial future instead of the benefit to the environment; I am grateful for CIEL for bringing to our attention the non-responsible actions of big companies in their pursuit of riches without regard of who or what is going to affect. We need more people and organizations like Ciel to bring actions like this to our awareness, because we can not trust the newspapers to denounce this atrocities, since they are all paid by big companies

Nelida Rivas
Raleigh , NC 27616
USA.

I am a 35 year-old Argentine lawyer and law professor, specialized on environmental law.
I got to know CIEL and their work through various professors and environment advocates, and also the amazing opportunity of working with CIEL's attorneys, fellows and interns, advocating for human rights and environmental protection.
Even though my experience lasted 5 month, I must say it felt as a life-changer. Not only I learned a lot from their expertise in the field, and built a nice professional and personal relationship with CIEL members, but most importantly felt inspired by their passion and determination to make a better world for us and future generations.
I have no doubts CIEL represents the best nonprofit international organization in the field of human rights and environmental awareness, and that their work will prove to be decisive to the protection of planet earth and those who live on it.
Keep up the good work!

CIEL is a fantastic organisation with a dedicated staff that serves a critical niche. Our organisation, Both ENDS foundation in Amsterdam, The Netherlands has partnered for several years with CIEL on building capacity of local people in developing countries to take action against the disastrous impacts of corporates and public financing institutions operating without regard to human rights, social and environmental standards. They deserve your support.

I was first introduced to CIEL through an employee who was also a former human rights accompanier in Guatemala. Our church, Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA,) has been sponsoring such accompaniers since 2007 and is committed to supporting the struggle for human rights in Guatemala. While the rights struggle for many years has been primarily about justice and accountability with respect to the genocide that occurred in the 1980s, it is now increasingly related to abuses connected to international mega projects involving resource extraction and developing hydroelectric power. As is unfortunately the case far too often, those types of projects are disastrous for the indigenous communities, and the natural, spiritual and economic environment in which they occur. CIEL has been instrumental in addressing both the environmental impacts and the human toll that result from international 'development' that focuses on profits, the needs of the few, and the so-called 'rights' of corporations at the expense of those whose lives and livelihoods are being destroyed.

CIEL is a terrific organization with honest, competent and dedicated staff. I vote for CIEL as the best non-profit I have ever dealt with!!! Its Director Carrol Muffet and his team deserve every admiration!

CIEL is the leader in applying international environmental law to achieve real meaningful change. I've partnered with them in strategic litigation combining environmental justice with human rights, and CIEL has always been at the forefront fighting the good fight.

My internship at CIEL was everything I could ask for and more. This organization seamlessly blends the issues of climate change and legal rights to push for a better world by working with local communities that need it most. CIEL's niche skills are very valuable and hold a strong punch in their field. The staff members are incredibly passionate, hardworking and talented.

While doing my interning at CIEL I had the incredible good fortune to attend a rally for climate action in the Capitol building that featured important speakers, including prominent senators and congressmen. I also sat in on a congressional hearing about the World Bank. I highly recommend following CIEL’s Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up to date on human rights and international environmental issues.

My internship at CIEL was one of the most influential experiences I've had thus far. The staff is incredibly involved and they all care so much about the cause. Not a single person at this organization seems to take for granted the importance of the work they complete. Working under Amanda was amazing because of how experienced and knowledgable she is in the field. My interest in human rights and policy has grown immeasurably, and CIEL is the sole reason why. This position is ideal for anyone looking to learn endless amounts about the environment, experience hands on drafting of communication in an exciting field, and discover new skill sets like SEO.

CIEL's internships are the ideal positions for those looking to be involved in international environmental policy, communications, and law. Whereas legal interns are required to have law experience, CIEL's "environmental communications" and "human rights and development finance" positions are great options for younger or non-legal environmental students. I worked as an environmental communications intern under Amanda, and had a rewarding and well-rounded experience. Despite only being an undergrad, I had the privledge of working closely with all staff members and completing assignments that I know will help CIEL in the longrun. I would say the internship was incredibly educational with the added bonus of work experience thrown in. The organization has so much to teach!

After twelve years teaching law and working on environmental legal reform in the Soviet region, I have spent the last twenty years in the field of international law. Since my initial contacts with CIEL in the early 1990s, it has been a constant source of inspiration and professional knowledge for me. I served on its advisory board before being elected to its Board of Trustees in 2011.

CIEL is a unique non-profit with a solid reputation around the world and a tremendous capacity to make a difference. Its excellent lawyers and scientists, all deeply committed to a public interest agenda, address complex global challenges in a way that no other US or European non-profit organization does. To list only a few of their many achievements, their work promotes the rule of law, supports the concerns and needs of local communities around the world and helps to achieve transparency in environmental governance and in the activities of international financial institutions. What CIEL is trying to accomplish affects each and all of us, and merits our support.

I have known and collaborated with CIEL in various capacities for more than 15 years now. It is one of the most effective of the citizen organizations I have worked with around the old and I have had relationships with hundreds of them. It is especially effective in its work in global processes like the climate change convention and the World Trade Organization where it is highly influential. Is work in developing countries has also been strategic. I have always known its lawyer's and staff as excellent and truly world-class.

I have worked with CIEL for the past 15 years in many different capacities, and it is truly one of my favorite organizations out there--and also among the most effective. CIEL has always been on the forefront of bold and strategic work to protect the environment, with staff that have the perfect combination of brilliant legal minds and compassionate hearts. We need more people to do this important work and to support the vision that CIEL has of justice for the planet and its people.

CIEL has a greater impact with a smaller organization than any other I know, and CIEL fills a niche in international environmental law that is unique. It is a terrific organization.

I was a fellow at CIEL a few years ago, and for sure it has been my best experience with an environmental NGO. The very passionate staff really care about the issues, and like to look at matters from an out of the box perspective.

Interning at CIEL was a fantastic way for me to get hand's on experience in trade issues affecting the environment. CIEL's Geneva office was clearly a leader in driving policy related to trade/environment issues and was well respected in the international trade community. In my professional life (corporate-transactional lawyer), I still leverage on the lessons learned in my time working for CIEL.

CIEL takes a thoughtful approach to international and environmental policy and a holistic approach to advocacy which cannot be surpassed. The level of professionalism and engagement from everyone involved is simply astounding. I count myself very lucky to have been a part of this organization even for one short summer.

Interning at CIEL allowed me to get an in-depth sense of the important role they play in the realm of international environmental law. They are working on cutting-edge and important issues involving the intersection of human rights and the environment, and do so in a strategic way, working with local grassroots communities and experts in the field.

As a corporate law lecturer, I follow CIEL's research and publications. The information and insight it provides and disseminates and the advocacy it generates are unparalleled. I recommend its work to my students and colleagues who use it to follow corporate social costs such as climate change and chemical disposal.

CIEL is a great organization that works to improve international laws and utilize them to benefit the environment, human rights and public health. If you want to be impressed check out their advisory board members listed at:

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Center_for_International_Environmental_Law

A more up to date, and perhaps more impressive, version is available on the CIEL website.

I am very concerned about the environment. I also care deeply about indigenous and rural communities in Latin America and their struggles against repressive regimes, exploitative foreign companies and efforts to force hydroelectric projects onto their lands. I support Center for International Environmental Law because of their dedication to these issues that are so important to me.

As a former lawyer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and now a law professor teaching International Trade and Human Rights, International Environmental Law, and similar courses, I worked with Dan Magraw, one of CIEL's founders, when he was EPA General Counsel, where he was a tireless and creative advocate for environmental protection in the early days of that agency. I followed Dan when he moved to CIEL and have been a steadfast fan of this important NGO ever since. CIEL not only is on the front lines of the most critical environmental crises, but is an important educator through its web site, which is one of the first places I turn when a new environmental problem surfaces. Dan's successors at CIEL have been equally dedicated and diligent in their work around the world aimed at finding practical solutions to global environmental challenges.